Pakistan produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by nine wickets in the second T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, leveling the three-match series 1-1.
Chasing a modest target of 111 runs, Pakistan cruised home in the 14th over, losing just one wicket. Saim Ayub led the chase with a scintillating knock of 71 off 38 balls, while captain Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 11.
Sahibzada Farhan contributed 28 runs before being dismissed.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Pakistan skipper Agha Salman elected to field first — a decision that proved spot-on as South Africa’s batting line-up crumbled under the pressure of Pakistan’s fiery bowling attack.
The Proteas were bundled out for 110 runs in the final over of their innings.
Seven South African batters failed to reach double figures, with only Dewald Brevis (25), Donovan Ferreira (15), Corbin Bosch (11), and Bartman (12) offering some resistance.
For Pakistan, Faheem Ashraf starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets, while Salmán Mirza — who replaced Shaheen Afridi in the playing XI — impressed with 3 wickets on his return. Naseem Shah claimed 2 wickets, and Abrar Ahmed took one.
The emphatic victory ensured Pakistan bounced back strongly after losing the opening match.
The deciding T20I of the series will be played tomorrow (Saturday) at the same venue in Lahore.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Lungi Ngidi
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha(c), Usman Khan(w), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed